Health & Safety
Last updated: February 2025
Overview
Bali is generally a safe destination for travelers, but taking a few health precautions will help you avoid common issues. The most frequent health complaint is 'Bali belly' — traveler's diarrhea caused by unfamiliar bacteria in food or water — which can be minimized by drinking only bottled or filtered water and being cautious with ice and raw foods from street stalls. Mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever are present year-round, particularly during the wet season (November to March), so use repellent regularly. Several international-standard hospitals are available in the south of the island, including BIMC Hospital in Kuta and Nusa Dua, and Siloam Hospital in Denpasar, but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended as medical costs for foreigners can be very high.
Essential Tips
Never drink tap water in Bali. Stick to bottled water (check the seal is intact) or water from refill stations that use reverse osmosis. Most restaurants in tourist areas use filtered water and purified ice, but be cautious at very small local warungs.
Pack a basic medical kit with rehydration salts (Oralit, widely sold in Bali), Imodium, activated charcoal, antihistamines, and any prescription medications you need. Pharmacies (apotek) are common and sell many medications over the counter.
Use mosquito repellent with DEET or picaridin, especially during dawn and dusk when dengue-carrying mosquitoes are most active. Accommodation with air conditioning and screens on windows significantly reduces mosquito exposure.
Consult your doctor about recommended vaccinations before traveling. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine vaccinations (tetanus, measles) are commonly advised. Rabies vaccination is worth considering if you plan extended stays or activities in rural areas.
Be cautious around monkeys, especially at Ubud Monkey Forest and Uluwatu Temple. They can bite and scratch, which carries a risk of rabies. Do not carry food openly or make direct eye contact, and secure your belongings.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that explicitly covers motorbike accidents (if you plan to ride), medical evacuation, and emergency repatriation. World Nomads and SafetyWing are popular options among travelers to Bali.
Be aware of common scams: inflated taxi meters, fake 'tourist police' asking for money, counterfeit goods sold as genuine, and overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited tours or transport. Always agree on prices before accepting services.
Ocean currents in Bali can be dangerously strong, particularly on the west and south coasts. Always swim at beaches with lifeguards (like Kuta and Seminyak), pay attention to warning flags, and avoid swimming alone in unfamiliar waters.
Important Information
In a medical emergency, call 118 for an ambulance or go directly to BIMC Hospital (24-hour emergency, phone: +62 361 761263) or Siloam Hospital Denpasar. Keep a digital and printed copy of your travel insurance policy details with you at all times. Bali belly usually passes within 24-48 hours with rest, hydration, and bland food, but seek medical attention if symptoms include a high fever, blood in stool, or persist beyond three days.
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